how do they ACTUALLY treat foreigners who don't speak korean?

Hi, friends. I recently got a question during one of my Q&As on IG that I thought deserved a video response! Here is my answer to the question: How do Koreans treat foreigners who don't speak Korean?
your assumptions about life in korea 🤡
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안녕하세,유~! 안녕하세요~! Hey, you! It's Natalia and I'm here to encourage you to believe in your ability to learn Korean~!
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☀️ f a q
Where do you live?
↳ Seoul, South Korea
How old are you?
↳ 26 years old
When did you start learning Korean?
↳ January 2016
What level of Korean do you know?
↳ TOPIK 4 (Upper-Intermediate)
When did you study abroad in Korea?
↳ Spring and fall semesters of 2016 (exchange student)
↳ Fall 2021 (korean language student)
Where did you study in Korea?
↳ Soonchunhyang University ( 2016 exchange/internship program)
↳ Korea University (2021-2022 korean language school)
What level are you in at KLC?
↳ Fall Semester 2021 - Level 5
↳ Winter Semester 2021/2022 - Level 6
↳ Spring Semester 2022 - Research Class
Can you teach me Korean?
↳ No, I don't teach or tutor Korean.
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[@TheBubblyBartender]

I understand what you mean about them being more favorable to those who speak Korean. That’s most cultures. If someone really understand your language you’re going to be more likely to converse with them and engage with them because you’re comfortable and you can communicate with him.

[@SomedayKorean]

I totally agree with you. It's extremely rare that someone will just outright shun you or treat you badly because you're a foreigner -- people just assume that most foreigners have very limited Korean skills (which, honestly, is usually pretty accurate) and it can be a hassle to go through all the extra hoops it would take to explain things well in limited English or take the extra time to try to translate everything with an app. As for the bank, just a tip for people with limited Korean skills -- the tellers should usually be able to call their headquarters and get an interpreter on the line. Even as someone fluent in Korean, there was one situation where I wasn't totally sure what the teller was trying to explain about a detail of my account, so she called up the interpreter and had them translate that one sentence. If you don't have a buddy who speaks Korean that can come with you, I recommend typing into Google Translate or Papago asking for an interpreter over the phone and showing it to the teller.

[@mandymandine]

I honestly think that if native English speakers stopped expecting the whole world to speak their language, this kind of problems wouldn’t even exist. I’m sorry if I sound mean but as a non native English speaker it’s something I’ve seen in many of my travels: some native English speakers are quite rude when they are in a foreign country and the locals do not speak to them in English. Which leads the same locals to downright ignore foreigners. And this aggravates me even more considering that most (not all) native English speakers do not speak another language: then why do they expect non native English speakers to speak another language apart from their own native language? Sorry, rant’s over.

[@jil8091]

This is so true. I'm German and I worked in a restaurant for half a year. One day, a family(I don't remember weather they were English or American) came into this restaurant and just started talking in English. I tried my best to explain the current Covid rules to them and guide them through everything (filling in some papers and showing me their vaccination status,...). The whole situation was stressful for me but (I think I did great... )but they just laughed at me. I don't know if I made a mistake or whatever. Felt really bad afterwards:( An other day, there was a Korean man coming to the restaurant and he first asked me really kindly if it's ok for me to use english. I said yes and everything went well. To make it short: Native english speakers think everybody is fluent in their language

[@SteppingStonevlogs]

It is one thing to hope the person may speak the same language, and you ask "Do you speak my language?" and another thing to find it surprising that someone doesn't speak the same language, and carry on speaking to them regardless...or expect the native to change their language to accomodate you.

[@라떼톡]

I'm a Korean, and this is exactly what I wanted to say!! thanks for your comnent!

[@kpopandotherplaylists2518]

One obvious flaw in your argument is that demand for said English natives to teach in Korea, is very high.. secondly, speaking a second language ( especially English ) is an advantage to non native soeakers. Meanwhile, ( 3rdly ..) it is often VASTLY less an advantage as an English speaker to speak a foriegn language. ( Many reasons but basically you get to be a second best speaker if say KOREAN by both native soeakers and Native English soeakers. Try getting a job as a bilingual, esoecislly in KOREA, JAPAN and ASIA, generally... You LL see quickly how galling that double standard gets. Ps I'm one of those BILINGUAL native ENGLISH speakers, and I'm learning KOREAN now, despite the above alluded to situation. While I'd agree the average native ENGLISH speaker is oblivious to language learning, that is also changing, and people learn ENGLISH worldwide fir their own real advantages. Let's not put the cart before the horse... The reason a native teacher is in Korea is that people pay for that.. they probably won't pay you to learn Korean or speak it... Or Chinese , or Vietnamese or Japanese..... Right? Ps if you speak one, don't tell them at the ENGLISH TEACHER interview.Tgey only like bilingual LOCAL teachers. True story. Also , if anyone asks you're American. Wtf?

[@jnkcomps]

it’s mostly bc english is the universal language & im not saying that bc im American or whatever, im actually french but we learn english bc it’s easy to learn & speak once you’re comfortable, so i get why most foreigners ask if the locals understand english cuz i wouldn’t expect Korean to know french yk what i mean? there’s more probabilities they know english than french, so that’s why we ask ^^ but obviously there’s no excuse for being rude!! people need to be respectful, especially when they’re not in their country

[@haejeegwon9774]

I enjoyed watching it. Honestly, it's funny to romanticize and glorify Korea, but I've seen too many exaggerations of fear. In particular, KZbin and TikTok are like a battleground between romance and horror. As a Korean, both of them are absurd. I saw many KZbinrs calling Koreans racist. On the other hand, there are many experiences more special and treated because foreigner in Korea. Frankly, I think both are somewhat right. But Korea discriminates against Koreans, too. And surprisingly, capitalism is at the heart of all discrimination. Educational level, looks, what riding cars... Something capitalistic always works. Of course, there is not much blatant discrimination. Most of them are nuance of eyes or intonation. However, there are also many misunderstandings. For example, some restaurants can be accessed by more than two people, but it will be discriminated against those who do not know it. Some clubs have rules about age and dress, but it will be discrimination against strangers. Some places and apps are for one-night meetings, but Koreans (men) will be trash for those who don't know them. I think it is difficult to formalize Korea because it is a complicated country as you get to know it. Many people are prejudiced against Korea, and I think it is a country where people and ideas are so different by generation, gender, class, and region. That's why it's a country where the pace of change is so fast and various things happen. This is something that can only be known if you experience it as an insider, not as an outsider. language, culture, society..

[@Faerieanna]

In my very limited experience with Korean culture and personal interactions, I have found that Korean people dislike both BEING uncomfortable and MAKING OTHERS uncomfortable. They appear to prefer to avoid the situation rather than struggle through something (this is not a negative impression, just an observation). As an American who grew up in a very open and empathetic household, I am very comfortable with someone expressing emotions and have little trouble taking time to patiently explain a situation or comfort a person who is having difficulty. That is not the case in many other cultures (or even from state to state/town to town within America). If someone is seen crying, my impulse is to check if they are okay even if they are a stranger in many cases. In Korea, this same situation might be handled with people looking away or trying to give the crying person privacy. There is no right or wrong, just different perspectives. I have found it very rewarding to study the culture and history while studying the language, and am thankful that our world is "small" enough to allow people from all countries an opportunity to interact. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@magnolia2]

Great video to remind everyone SK is just another country with regular people and stop romanticizing and glamorizing it. Your K-pop idol is a sweetheart because they get paid to be that way. They have to put on that public persona mask every time they step foot outside to a camera is on, but the average citizen don’t. Must be careful, especially if you’re a black foreigner. There will be even more hurdles you’ll face. There have been tons of racist clubs exposed this year alone. It’s a shame.

[@jebalifyouplz]

Eehhhhh I'd say like any other country or culture, base it on a case by case basis. Assholes are everywhere and so are sweethearts. Not every idol is a good person but that doesn't mean every single person in the Korean entertainment industry is a fake piece of crap either lol. The problem is how people romanticize countries they don't know anything really about and ignoring the problems.

[@wonhong8287]

I'm korean. Yes, korea has good things and bad things just like other countries.

[@mikee1527]

I've been a subscriber of Natalia for a few years now, back when she was giving advice and resources to learn Korean. And this girl inspired me to do lot more studying and to try harder in learning Korean. I even applied for the Academic Korean Language Program in Korea University to learn intensive Korean and maybe take my Master's at KU. Please continue to make more great videos. I hope to see you around campus. I'll definitely say hello if I see you!

[@paulwalther5237]

I just wanted to comment on the customer service ignoring part. I taught English in Japan for a little while and one of my students told me how she had to go abroad for an event and she was in charge of the booth and she spent the whole time running away from anyone that wanted to talk to her. Just so she wouldn't have to speak English to them. She could only see it from her point of view and didn't understand how horrible this was to all of the customers that she ignored.

[@choosenottodecide]

Ah so glad I just heard your explanation of Korean customer service, I’ve only just arrived in Korea and as a westerner I totally wasn’t used to that level of attention so it was anxiety inducing trying to speak Korean in the situation. But I’ll feel better next time. Great video!

[@morningrain13]

I really like these sort of videos because you are so down to earth and explain everything so well. I could listen to these sort of videos for hours.

[@JadeRaven0588]

South Korea is actually on my list of countries to go after I get my TEFL certification to teach English (business English/teaching college students/adults). However, I've seen a lot of videos from various people of varying ethnicities that they ended up leaving Korea because of the prejudice they experienced, especially if they are dark-skinned (which I am). I still want to go and try teaching in either Seoul or Busan, but I am a little worried about how I will be treated if and when I go.

[@Minnie-gn5qe]

I just came back home from Korea and in my experience most people regardless whether they spoke English or not, they were willing to help me out. Some of them even stopped doing things in order to walk with me to where I could take transportation and/or give instructions to the bus/taxi drivers to let them know where is where I needed to go. Some girls even run with me to catch a bus to talk to the driver. Yes, here and there I found people that were not willing to help me out, either because they didn’t speak English or just because they didn’t want to, but most people tried to help. Some of them tried to help me out using signs or with body language. Since, they couldn’t speak English. Surprisingly for me the ones that helped me the most were older people. Even though, they did not speak English at all or they spoke very little English, they were always there to help me out. Also, I noticed that it is most likely to find people that speak English in Seoul than in Busan and even less people speak English in smaller cities or little towns. However, even though this was the case people were curious about where I was from and I would constantly be asked this question in either Korean or with the very little English they spoke. In few words, they tried to establish conversations with me. Even though there was a language barrier. However, I know this is not every body’s experience. I met an Italian girl that spoke English and she was telling me she felt very sad because the day before she had gotten lost and no one was willing to help her out. She felt so hopeless up to the point of crying. Which, was very sad because she went there hoping she would have the best time of her life. I hope the rest of her trip is better for her.

[@okaniedavis3551]

I like this kind of informative video now and then and the light creates a really nice mood. This is not important, but it's been almost 2 years since I started self-studying Korean and following your channel, and halfway through, I realized that I could understand when you speak Korean. I didn't even notice there were subtitles. 😅

[@PolyglotProgress]

This was super interesting to watch as someone who doesn't speak Korean/has never been to Korea/doesn't really have much of a gauge or even preconceived notions about this kind of thing! I feel like so much of what you said though feels really similar to experiences I've had in other countries where people have perceived situations as being rude or based on a negative attitude towards English speakers as opposed to just being based on a lack of understanding or English ability. So often it's not a purposefully rude thing, it just comes off as short tempered since they don't have the words to fully explain. I think keeping that in mind is super important when travelling too, since we can't expect locals to have learned our native language. And as language learners it's a good reminder that others are going through similar struggles with communicating as we are!

[@Marie-hj5di]

Thank you so much for the video... I'm in Daegu for an exchange semester since 3 weeks (I've never been to SK and don't know the language) and I'm having a bit of a hard time tbh. I recognized that I was being treated differently, for example some taxi drivers outright refused to drive me or my friends here or some clubs didn't let us in. I got quite frustrated. But your video helped me a lot in understanding that it's not xenophobia, but maybe just that they are afraid of communicating with us and afraid to fail or harm us in the process. A korean relative of mine told me beforehand that I should not worry, because everyone can speak (good enough) english. But now I learned that this is not the case, (even some of the professors who study in my scientific field, where the global literature is in english, can't speak good english!). Btw: I wanted to mention that english is also not my native language, so it's not like I'm expecting everyone to speak "my" language. I just had a different understanding of the level before coming here. And I'm also learning korean right now, so I do my best, but like you said, the languages are so distant from each other, it's really hard to learn it.

[@daebakday6981]

I absolutely love the way you explained things in this video. I love that you did not take the easy path of just ranting about how evil they are but honestly tried to see their perspective. 잘했어!

[@andresjeong1460]

굉장히 공감가는 이야기에요. 외국에서 오는 친구들의 입장에서 생각해볼수 있어서 좋았어요ㅎㅎㅎ. 한국인들의 성향이랑도 연결된 문제라 더 유용했던 것 같아요.

[@Nikotastik]

As an English speaker that sometimes has Spanish-speaking customers, I agree about it being anxiety-inducing. I really want to help them just as much as the English-speaking customers, but I get really nervous. I still help them, but I do have to admit I don’t ask them every question I would if they spoke English. I would say the one difference though is that I don’t pre-judge if they speak my language or not before talking to them. That probably happens more in Korea simply because so many foreigners don’t speak Korean though.

[@paulwalther5237]

I have a comment regarding not knowing Korean. My experience in Korea is very limited because I was in Seoul for just a few days. But I had to buy something for my phone. The first shopping area I found was a street market area with stalls with no prices on anything. I found out later the guy charged my like 5 times or more the sticker price if I had gone to a regular store. I'm sure if you negotiate a bit you can get stuff for cheaper there but definitely don't expect them to treat you well because you're a foreigner who needs a little help. They see you as easy money.

[@fransmith3255]

The same thing that would also probably happen in your country if the situation was reversed...

[@paulwalther5237]

@@fransmith3255 It doesn’t seem likely to me since we put stickers or signs with prices. I guess would have to ask a tourist who came to America if this is likely. I had just come from Japan and the odds of that happening in Japan are really really low.

[@fransmith3255]

@@paulwalther5237 I wasn't talking about the advent of whether there are prices on goods or not. I meant the advent of people taking advantage of someone not speaking the language and ripping them off. There are dishonest people in every country. Honesty is much, much higher in Korea than it is in my own country, and my country is a pretty safe and honest country.

[@paulwalther5237]

@@fransmith3255 I don’t think Koreans are bad or anything. I just think if you’re a foreigner like many people here you might want to avoid buying stuff from street venders with no prices on the merchandise.

[@fransmith3255]

@@paulwalther5237 Possibly, if you're new to Korea or don't speak the language. I find the markets are fine if you're known about the place.

[@deckcadetmiles]

I agree with most of your takes, esp on befriending Koreans. I’ve met a guy who only wanted to date black girls, blaccent & all. Who keeps telling ppl Korea is clean (Seoul & Busan esp). I like my current city though. Miscommunication is an art here even if you speak Korean. The whole Koreans don’t really speak English (even our age group) is not said enough. I will say regarding dress, I find that living outside of Seoul, it’s much more lax (at least in my city). I almost never see people looking nice, even at my old job (the Korean girls & I wore shorts, jeans, sweatpants). Once I started working in Seoul (still living in the same city) I was reminded of the stark difference in dress (I see tights & shoulders more often than not in my city, all age groups, regardless of gender, even the halmeoni on occasion).

[@clairewright4961]

This was so helpful! It made me think that maybe they don't not want to talk to me because they are shy, but becasue of the language barrier! I would also go into stores and feel unconfrtable that they are following around. This was becasue i thought that they might think i was stealing, but the truth is that they are probably making sure i am doing okay. haha

[@tsunamu824]

I lived in Seoul for three years when I was in the US Army. I loved it SOOO much that I am trying to learn to read, write, and speak Korean. I'm by far not starting from scratch and your videos help me understand that. With that being said, there was only a single time that I felt discriminated against and I'm pretty sure it was my fault; I was in the electronics district next to IPARK mall and I just, literally forgot where I was, and just grabbed a hard drive from a basket. The shop vendor took the hard drive back from me and shouted something at me and did the X with their hands. I was mad, of course, but that was because, as you said, I just didn't understand.

[@Anonymama]

Out of genuine curiosity: why was it wrong of you to grab the hard drive from the basket? Did you forget to pay or shouldn't you have touched the hard drive? o.O

[@tsunamu824]

@@Anonymama Honestly, I do not know. The drive was in its OEM box and protected by an industry-standard static bag. I am not sure if he just didn't like foreigners, soldiers, or just me. The person selling equipment literally right next to him let me touch the equipment he was selling and allowed me to purchase his hard drive. I just went on about my day but I will always remember that experience. I was a regular in that district because I'm just a computer nerd ^_^ I built MANY computers over there and shipped them back to my friends and family in the US because it was cheaper to do that. I never returned to his shop.

[@andrea4646]

i feel like if people are going to a foreign country especially if you´re going there to live/stay there for a long time, then they should do the bare minimum and learn the language, like you´re going to a FOREIGN country which means that they WON´T be talking in the same language as you, i honestly think that english speakers should stop expecting everyone to speak in english bcuz english isn´t the only language in the world lmao

[@ibeeeg]

This is a great a video. I really appreciate learning about the differences and nuances. Plus it inspires me to continue learning Korean. Please do more videos similar to this one. Thank you for your efforts.

[@luked.48]

Thanks for making this video. It gives a lot of perspective to someone who has never been abroad before in a country that speaks a different native language. Also I love your hair!

[@Yamada_Aoi1013]

This is the content we appreciate here, thank you for always sharing your honest experience. There is still a bunch of young gurls that romanticize the country. Of course it has its own goods and bad sides as every country, but last years the idea of how perfect sk is… is almost disappointing. Really Really appreciate every video.

[@fancyfidan3503]

really appreciate these kind of videos!! 💕 btw guys if anyone is also going to start a language program in fall 2023 - let‘s be friends please!! ✨

[@Enlightize]

This is very relevant to Japan as well. Everything you said is applicable here. My Japanese is intermediate level, but even still I get treated VERY differently compared to other foreigners who don't speak or use their Japanese. They ignore you here too, presumably because they don't want the stresseful interaction of both of us not understanding each other. But if you make the first move, it's almost always a positive experience.

[@dipti56]

It's always nice to just listen to you speaking, healing too & always helpful as well😊

[@muizat_ayoola]

Congratulations Natalia on having 100k subscribers!!🥳🥳🥳

[@NataliaGarza]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@christillelohmann553]

Eveything you said is exactly the same in China, they just automatically assume you don't speak chinese and when they see you can speak chinese their attitude change a little and it looks like they are more comfortable speaking with you and helping you more.

[@mariIu001]

Im going to Seoul in a few days, I am learning Korean (started 3 months ago) and after watching this I am genuinely scared of going like... legit! Edit: to make clear is not that you are saying anything scary, your video is very informative and I liked it so much. I'm just quite sensitive with this topic lately, since I have dreamed of it for so long, you are just confirming what other content creators have said about this, being treated differently just for being a foreigner...thanks for sharing!

[@kwiyomi2024]

foreigners *who cannot converse in Korean

[@slee2695]

How was the trip

[@soukaina9227]

Your Korean is so good 🥹🥹🥹

[@booklassygarrahan3929]

Any attempts I made to speak Korean were always met with appreciation, no matter how badly I spoke. However, when I lived there, most wanted to practice their English more than they wanted to listen to me stumble through Korean. I can empathize with the desire of some to not to engage in a language their aren't confident in speaking. I am the same.

[@karma-0628]

역시, 장시간 살아보면서 나오는 경험치. 연기도 자연스러운 수준!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@suzeca-22]

What I would say is that if I were going to South Korea I would take 6 months before hand and study the language. It’s not the job of a Korean, who’s country I’m in, to turn summersaults trying to understand my English. It’s obnoxiously inconsiderate of me to show up in their country that unprepared. It’s understandable why a Korean would be more friendly to someone who spoke their language. It’s not personal. How are they supposed to interact with someone who can’t understand them. I think the Korean language is very beautiful. Over the last year I have been watching k-dramas on Netflix. Not long ago I discovered Lee Min-Ho. After watching him in a couple of dramas I saw him in Heirs were he spoke a little English and it was then that I realized how beautiful his language was. I’ve even thought about learning the language just because it’s so expressive and lilting even tho I have no plans to visit Korea. I love their dramas too especially the ones set in Joseon. And was fascinated by the costumes of that period… so beautiful.

[@marynight7851]

I had the experience withe the following as well and thank you for talking about it! Because I thought thought it was something bad.. like they expected us to steal ( we had big bags with us😅)

[@NataliaGarza]

Ahah noooo just their version of good customer service! 😂

[@Jupiter-h7b]

You know I understand this so much as my country , we have French as a second language. So a lot of French people when they came to my country they expect all the people here will be speaking French which I do feel it’s a bad idea to have , because I worked as a waitress and I don’t speak French, so I remember a rude lady who told me to learn how to speak French since we are learning at school , and I think it’s rude , because she didn’t even think to learn my own language, just the basics , I know how French people look down at my country, especially when they discover that you speak English they will be like ohh how could you, u supposed to speak French not English 😂😂 otherwise I hope they will make efforts to learn my language, because not all people here will be speaking French by the way I am from Morocco

[@jaereves4931]

Thank you , this was great!

[@Yunkikihihi]

I can’t imagine going there to live full time without the ability to speak Korean. I just wanna go there for a week to see Agust D and I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it to risk everything traveling there without being able to speak Korean or if I should miss this one chance to see him before he goes to military.

[@boomyitv]

I think just trip to KOrea not speak Korean ok in Korea but living here need to learn Korean. just trip level to speak English to Korea fair enough.

[@ClaireMichelle101]

Thank you for this. Great video.

[@Jurga848]

Finally someone explaned it.

[@nikitasantamaria]

This is a really interesting type video . Thank you for going more into this topic. It makes sense if you’re gonna live in another country to at least learn some basic Korean or enough to communicate and understand so you don’t get taken advantage of. Where’d you get those cute stuffies on your bed ??

[@NataliaGarza]

One of them I bought from the LINE FRIENDS store in Gangnam and the other I won from a claw machine here haha

[@sheelayadav6377]

Can you please tell that do they treat people by colours like dark or brown colour

[@slee2695]

She's Mexican

[@mayi4403]

Well said! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@sm00re2]

im glad you mentioned that about the restaurant thing. I wouldnt have even thought to ask. i woulda just been like "oh no. they dont like us ㅠㅠ'' lol

[@fridamejia1784]

I want to travel there for the food but I’m scared off the language barrier

[@slee2695]

Just choose restaurants with picture menus and point..lol

[@kiyk7273]

How did you come to study Korean in Korea? Do you need some other subjects beforehand?BTW I feel so proud that I could understand what you were saying in Korean. 🥹

[@Yunkikihihi]

$40-$50 for a 30 minute drive seems pretty normal to me but I am from Hawaii so maybe I’m used to expensive prices. :\

[@AngelElle-hz3gb]

I think English is a good language for better communication to enter any country. Like example i lived in Seychelles we speak creole and we depend on tourist to maintain our economy. I like if most people in my country did not speak english most foreigner will never understand our culture and rules in my country. Just a reminder english language does not affect any cultural things in different country it is just a good language to understand other people around the world also make friends, give you better benefits in your life Just saying🤷🏻‍♀️

[@altitude4020]

One thing I was wondering, I grew up in the US and I feel like people with "unacceptable" accents, like an Indian accent or something, get roasted and shunned even if you speak fluent English. I feel like kids like that would get bullied and also adults get ridiculed like the stereotypes of a 7 eleven worker or something. I know it's hard to unpack layers of all the different things, but how prevalent do you think that is in Korea? Are accents in Korean as easily noticeable as it is in English?

[@parkjnine]

Hello. I am Korean and a fluent English speaker because I lived and studied in the States for college. I just wanted to say that you are very right about 90% of the things you said about Koreans. I'm sorry to many people who don't understand why Koreans act a certain way towards foreigners, but you explained the reasoning behind general Korean behavior very well. Thank you.

[@mnjk1558]

Omg that taxi ride is cheap! Here in Finland I have to pay like 18 euros (about 25000 won, 17,44 dollars) for 8 minute ride 🙄

[@javt8141]

i'm going to korea for a year in november and i'm, like, terrified of anything formal cause my korean level is just b1 and hhhhh thanks for this video

[@nourake341]

off topic love your dress how do you style your hair? What tool are you using?

[@joclark1896]

I lived in Korea for 1 year and my Korean is average I’d say? I can have broken conversations. But everyone was always so nice to me. Although no one ever followed me around a store, and I kinda liked that. I’m British we want people to leave us alone 🤣🤣

[@NataliaGarza]

Haha in the US it means they think we are going to steal something 😂

[@mdfaisal184]

@@NataliaGarza In Seoul where i can meet you?

[@yoonjioni9017]

Hi. Can you explain how Muslims gets treated there?

[@keepuwu-ing7653]

I mean even if they say mean things you won't be able to understand anyway 😂

[@NataliaGarza]

I speak Korean, so yes I would?

[@keepuwu-ing7653]

@@NataliaGarza ah no, i didn't mean you. I was kinda talking to the other commenters Also I didn't mean it in like a mocking way so sorry if it came off that way 🙁🙁🙁

[@offensivesword4628]

lol foreigners would probably get better treatment for speaking korean compared to korean americans that are not fluent in the language

[@offensivesword4628]

@chewiirull you are right on the dot lol. Any Korean diaspra are expected to know their own roots so they get automatic harsh treatment. The country even picks on their own people. Another sad things is how north Koreans get treated in the South, not for language, but for their status.

[@from_ashez9259]

This is my life 🤣

[@fightmeillblessuwithcandyb3707]

I'm turning *911* likes to 912 😅

[@doddlebug34]

How does korean handles allergies?

[@justinmanfre703]

Ever since the Koreans made the show on Netflix "All of us are dead" I have been obsessed with South Korea. I know weird right. Next summer I'm coming to South Korea.

[@RTKim94]

솔직히 한국인으로서 말하자면 저는 기본적으로 영어로 의사소통이 가능하지만 갑자기 외국인이 간단한 한국말로 안녕하세요도 없이 영어로 말걸면 짜증나서 무시하거나 니네 나라로 가라고 합니다.

[@cole3145]

as someone who gets nervous speaking to people, sometimes I’ll accidentally introduce myself in English, even knowing a good level of Korean… u shouldn’t tell people to go back to their country for that 😅

[@RTKim94]

@@cole3145 i know, my bad

[@ph_h463]

이 분 좀 무섭다...

[@mikaelawernimont4912]

The point about making assumptions for what non-Korean speakers want makes so much sense. I am a restaurant server living in the US and when someone who I can tell speaks only a little English comes in, i am of course just as cordial but I try to make the conversation simple as possible. For example: if someone who didn’t speak a lot of English ordered chicken wings I wouldn’t ask if they want blue cheese or ranch if I couldn’t translate it into their language. A lot of languages that wouldn’t even have a word to translate to lol. I would just chose one for them, I don’t think it’s evil or the end of the world, but a small example. It’s so important to take time to learn key phrases before traveling somewhere, I think it will save so much stress on both parties. Also when you mentioned how younger people only speak a few words in English but not fluent. Last year I went to europe, visited 9 different cities between 5 countries and yes everywhere people speak SOME English but it is not going to be easy natural conversations like you would have with a stranger at home. Sometimes you can only understand half of what the other person is saying and you just got to accept it and nod lol.

[@alexhika]

I just arrived in Korea so this is super interesting (and useful) to watch! It is always fascinating to see other people's expectations in terms of language - like others said in the comments, English-speaking travelers go about communication abroad in a weird way lol I was literally telling my friends how Koreans (and Japanese people as well from what I saw in Tokyo) really surprised me because they have a very "Mediterranean" approach, especially old people: doesn't matter if neither of us speak the other person's language, we'll make it work somehow, using body language and gestures etc 😆 unless we're talking about making friends, having young people being able to communicate the basics in English is more than enough to get by, it is really not that hard. And I loved your examples/explanation of the differentiat treatment, it is like that anywhere in the world! If you are able to communicate properly, of course locals will help you and give you more detailed information. But if you don't speak the language, they couldn't even if they wanted to! The of course there are super nice people who go the extra mile and less nice people that can't be brothered to help others...but that's everywhere, not just in Korea :") Generally speaking though, I never go into a foreign country expecting people to speak /my/ language, especially if I am moving there. But also, I understand it must be a cultural shock if you are used to have people speaking your language almost everywhere. Great video! 😊

[@noelwoodward6455]

I lived in Korea for twenty years. i speak well, though I have never studied formally. Did a lot of self study. This is basically all correct, and probably more so for people younger than my 53 years on this earth. Well done Natalia :) Peace from Busan.

[@NataliaGarza]

I'm glad to know to that this video has a stamp of approval from someone who has a lot more experience living here than me!

[@chuchuchie]

This is why I watch you for you 😍😍 The examples you gave and scenarios are totally understandable, and if anyone can't see how considerate and respectful you're being, they are totally blind! Especially the ones about the taxi driver and the make-up store clerk are spot on! :) Thanks again for these "deep dives" and I can't wait for more :D Very insightful! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@NataliaGarza]

I appreciate that 🤍

[@dojaexplores]

My favourite part of this video is when Natalia spoke Korean, i really enjoy hearing her Korean because it sounds sooo smooth, i hope that we can hear it more often 💖

[@mtd55]

Can't wait to experience it! At the end of september, I will spend 3 months in Korea for fun with mmmm... with less than 2 years of korean study! I can speak well but still struggling a lot with the listening part! Haha! It will be chaotic, can't wait!

[@emmadaniel7473]

I have one question how do Korean treat people that are a different color than them (black/brown people)

[@slee2695]

She's Mexican

[@maryjoel-hachem5764]

I basically agree with everything you said. I am more of a shy/introverted person, so it can feel awkward to be the first one to speak, but I find that if I greet someone first and in Korean, the interaction we have is more relaxed because I show them that I at least know something in Korean. A blessing in my life here has been the employee at my local CU. She is an older woman, and she knows I am learning Korean, so she shows a lot of patience when I need her to repeat something or say it more slowly. I really appreciate her for that because even though I wish more people were a little bit more patient and understanding, I don’t necessarily expect that from anyone. My life experience back home had me interacting with people of varying degrees of English ability, so I’m used to being patient with others when communicating, but most Korean people in Korea don’t have much experience interacting with people who don’t quite speak the language, so I think there has been little opportunity to practice that skill of navigating a conversation in which the participants know very little of each other’s native language.

[@madisonmarie0613]

One thing about Korean culture is they expect everything to be fast paced. it is AWESOME most of the time because wait times are super low, everything is very convenient, etc. However, because of this people are not likely to take the time to translate for you. I was lucky because I did know some Korean when I lived abroad, but many koreans immediately assumed I didn't speak korean. They were always so surprised when I would reply in Korean. I had some AMAZING Koreans that really took the time to speak to me slower and even coached me on certain phrases when they didn't have to take the time out of their day. However, I have also had some very mean people that yelled at me or discriminated against me for being a foreigner (note this experience was not in Seoul, but a rural city.) I think overall though people in Korea are very nice and very respectful; even when they are "no no no" ing you (haha they do that so often) it's obvious they still feel guilty and stressed they can't communicate. Even broken Korean can make the situation so much better (the relief on their face is a drastic change) and most of the time, they are happy to help and talk to you once they know you speak korean. It's not that they don't like foreigners that can't speak, it's just a very stressful conversation so they avoid it. When you live in a foreign country, you might encounter very rude people that hate foreigners. However, most of the time it is just a misunderstanding. The more empathetic and patient you can be, the better experiences you will have. :) Though I DID have a couple of genuinely rude people call me names, I honestly think those experiences were negligible compared to the amazing people in Korea, and I can't wait to go back.

[@laiapags]

100% agree with everything you said. As a foreigner in Korea I've experienced them all. My korean is only intermediate level but I could feel the treatment is so different when I speak Korean as to when I speak to them in English (cause I don't know how to communicate everything yet). I remember when I first arrived, my bf helped me open a bank account, he did everything for me, but it helped me learn the process in korean to later be able to help my other foreigner friends. One of them went to the bank alone, and they told her she couldn't open a bank account because she didn't have a phone number (the phone number shop said she couldn't have a phone number bc she didn't have a bank account) Don't you see a problem here? When I opened my bank account I was in her same situation, but because my bf is korean I could register his number in my bank account until I had my own number. So since my friend had the same problem I suggested (in English) to the bank worker to register my number in her bank account until she had her own number. She said it's not possible to do that (in a very rude way, using 반말 to me). Then I suggested the exact same thing in korean and explained that I also did it that way and guess what? Suddenly everything I said was possible and we had no problem opening a bank account and online banking and everything. I can understand that they can feel burdened to speak in a foreign language but most the times they don't even try to understand the situation. They just want to get out of it quickly, it makes me really frustrated.

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Exactly 💯

[@KarlaaaaP]

thank god english is not my native/first language, but makes me feel bad for english native speakers (who doesn't adventure to learn another language), they only have english and that's it :8 they will only get one side of the story, that people are rude to them but it's just cause the natives are not fluent in the language, p.s. listening to your korean is so cool natalia :D hope to hear it more often

[@cc.carter.christian]

This is the motivation I needed to start taking my language study seriously. I want to be able to hold these conversations when necessary

[@cheglik132]

I just came back from Korea a week ago..I can totally agree, but young generation was actually super nice. Like they would spend 5-10 min to walk with me to the place I needed ( happend 3 times at least)

[@juula9469]

I think the general rule is; If you travel sonewhere, try learning some words, or try using a translator, but don't expect everyone to automatically speak english. It comes across arrogant and superficial.

[@AprilToprak]

I can't relate cause I've never been in Korea, BUT I have to say I really enjoyed listening to you speaking speaking korean, wow girl, so fluent 😍😍

[@angeleedm]

I know very little Korean, but when I went, everyone was trying to communicate with me as best as they could and were not rude at all (only ran into one rude taxi driver and it was because he wanted to communicate with my husband instead of me…my husband who doesn’t speak any Korean). I mean if you just take some time before you travel anywhere to learn a few phrases, they will be appreciative and do their best.

[@melodywilson]

I'm teaching myself korean, 6 months. I'm struggling a little. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster trying to figure out which direction I'm going. Do you have any tips or advice that could help put me in the right direction?

[@theguynextdoor4978]

I have mixed feelings of this. I think English is a language that unites the whole world. I have had no issues with Koreans. The younger generations seems slightly more open, and better at English. At the same time, when visiting a foreign country like Korea, we need to have the mindset that not everybody will like us, or have a bias against the unfamiliar. Maybe they had bad past experience, or have internal problems moving past their own prejudice. For every jerk, there's several non-jerks around the corner.

[@charithforestperera2948]

100k special live stream... Coming soon🎉🎉👏👏🇰🇷🇰🇷😍😍

[@magicineverydaylife]

I had a little scare clicking on this video -- was worried that my hopes for decent treatment in Soth Korea (whenever I'll get there...) were all on vain. But after watching it, I am just more motivated to learn Korean 😊 Thank you Natalia 😊

[@hiyyihmybeloved]

I'm moving to korea next week and now i really regret not studying harder :') hopefully my classes will help me speak more fluent soon

[@lisamwong]

How are your first few weeks in Korea?

[@hiyyihmybeloved]

@@lisamwong difficult..

[@Slow_Internet]

Do you still live in Korea?

[@devitt_ngaihte]

first!!!!!

[@chloepatt1661]

I totally get your point re - why can't they put English speaking staff on the front line or just use translation apps to communicate with an English speaker. HOWEVER, what I don't get is why you don't suggest that to the English speakers..? Bring a Korean speaking friend to the bank to translate, or use a translation app to communicate. My family immigrated from Asia to Europe years ago and it's completely normal to bring someone who can communicate the language to important appointments. Just because English is widely spoken across the globe, there is no official requirement that everyone in the world speaks and learns it. It is there for convenience, NOT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. In fact, there are more native Hindi speakers than there are native English speakers. Chinese? Almost 3x more than English. Why is that most native English speakers think the solution should be for whole nation to improve their English level to serve a minor % of foreigners, instead of having the foreign minority use translation apps to communicate with the nation that they inserted themselves into..? From the business point of view (I myself work in a bank), resources are limited and prioritised are those improvements where it makes the most commercial sense & brings value to most customers. I'm sure if a non-korean speaker decides to deposit a trillion dollar into the bank, they'll gladly hire a team of English speakers to serve them.

[@NataliaGarza]

That comment was in reference to exchange students who just arrived in Korea and were told by the university to go make a bank account. They don’t yet have Korean friends to ask for help. That’s why I made the comment I made.

[@airmanjones18]

I was just there in south korea and we had a hard time getting a taxi in seoul no matter the time. My korean is not that great i am a beginner and i understand the language barrier but i got better treatment by taxi drivers in busan and wando then in seoul which i thought was pretty strange. I assume seoul see my tourist. But that was like the worse as it got for me. 🙃 other than that korean people went out their way to help me in certain situations i just wish my korean was better.

[@1PurpleSnake]

Hello, How long did it take you to learn korean and speak to others without feeling nervous or intimidated? How did you start stuying?

[@tibbar-cx1bm]

Love your video and the examples you gave, but the notion of „sometimes they don’t wanna pull out Papago and go through the hassle…“ is something I don’t agree on. I know many people go out of their way and help you out, but I think it should never be expected. The only place that I’m disappointed off that they don’t speak (well enough) English is at the immigration office. I never get why at no immigration office, at many countries they don’t speak English, including in Korea and my homecountry…

[@sc33h3o3]

I think there's a MAJOR thing that could've been mentioned? I heard Korean people are quite jealous or threatened by Koreans that speak English fluently. I just learned that they value knowledge of English for ability to get jobs. These things make me think that a major reason people will be ignored if they don't speak Korean is because the Korean person doesn't want to enter a situation where they will feel inadequate, self-conscious or maybe judged about their English level, they judge themself on this apparently.

[@roshiniphilipose4021]

Came across your channel Co incidentally but after watching your video, just loved you and your video content for the way you explained so naturally and beautifully. Thanks for this explanations dear and I will continue watching your videos henceforth. Bye. God bless you.

[@hdjfjdjd136]

I wish I watched this before going to Korea. The taxi thing happened to me but I didn't think about it too much. I was in Korea alone and was trying to figure out the subway, I wanted to ask this girl (at hongik university station) and my korean (talking) is pretty basic but I can understand most (hearing) so I was like 저기요 she looked at me and hard ignored me. I ended up figuring the subway out by myself. Another time asking for directions the person got nervous and was like "no no no" with the no sign because he doesn't speak english xD I got ignored aswell in stores 😭 I even say hello in korea when I enter the store and they would just ignore .. but when a korean enters they would say hello and follow them... Also most people would just look at me and speak korean. They don't even try to speak english. Anyways I was just travelling but thank you for the video finally one that I can relate to!

[@callira2064]

you can see that even in NA. people are far more likely to interact with/help or be generally nice to people there is no language barrier with. In some ways I think Koreans are even nicer about it. I've seen some people just not get service because ( using the bank example) they won't just make decisions for people.

[@emgames8098]

I'm still a beginner Korean speaker. Koreans are always relieved when I try to speak even if it is a little broken, they are always super happy to help after they know I can speak a little bit. I can get by with most daily tasks, but the bank is like my personal hell. My husband (Korean) always has to go with me. haha.

[@arawisarchenlandzka3779]

I would be beyond happy if the shop assistant didn't follow me around, I hate that :D So I quess that a certain behaviour can be considered rude by some people and for others it could actually be something nice.

[@Sara-uo2gb]

I'm just touring but i try to comunicate with them in konglish hahaha or Just a little bit in Korean with ajumas who doesn't speak english at all hahaha ☺️ 😅 if not just papago haahha

[@maytepalacios280]

how can you study at korea as a language student and pay for your needs at the same time? How can you even become a language student?

[@astronada4700]

Hi!! I’ve been watching your videos for some time and I knew you were a language student but I hadn’t realized you studied for a year before that. Was that during your undergrad? I’m debating between a semester or a year abroad, did you feel like you missed out on a lot in your home college being away for a year? Was it easy to integrate back into your life in your home college when you came back? I’m so sorry if you’ve already covered this topic! I loved this video on language learning and speaking Korean vs not. I’m studying to be able to speak as much as I can when I’m abroad whether it’s a semester or a year!